portacaval

por·ta·ca·val

portacaval, portocaval

pertaining to or connecting the portal vein and caudal vena cava.

portacaval anastomosis

surgical, traumatic or congenital defect resulting in an anastomosis between the portal vein and the caudal vena cava including a portal-azygos anastomosis, or the portal vein and the hepatic artery resulting in portal hypertension. More commonly provides the physical basis for a portacaval shunt.

portacaval shunt

single or multiple abnormalities, intrahepatic or extrahepatic in location, result in venous blood from the intestine bypassing the liver. Hyperammonemia results and leads to neurological dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy). Other clinical signs include weight loss or poor growth from an early age, vomiting, diarrhea, voracious appetite and polydipsia.

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